Exodus 5:3
And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days’ journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the Lord our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.
Exodus 5:3 (KJV)
Context
Exodus 5 opens the first meeting between Moses, Aaron, and Pharaoh. The Israelites have suffered harsh slavery in Egypt for many years. God has sent Moses and Aaron to demand release so the people can worship Him in the wilderness. Their words to Pharaoh are not a casual request but a direct response to God’s personal encounter with them.
Meaning
When they say, “The God of the Hebrews hath met with us,” they identify the LORD as the God of this enslaved people, claiming His authority over them even in Egypt. The request for a three-day journey into the desert shows their need to separate from Egypt’s oppression and give God undivided worship. The warning about pestilence and the sword reveals their reverence for God’s holiness and the seriousness of obedience. They understand that neglecting commanded worship brings judgment.
Biblical connections
This verse sets the stage for the conflict that follows. Pharaoh refuses, and God responds with signs and plagues that display His power and lead to Israel’s deliverance. The principle that God’s people must obey Him rather than earthly rulers echoes throughout Scripture, as seen in Acts 5:29, where the apostles state that God must be obeyed above men.
Application
Believers today also face pressure to conform to worldly demands that hinder worship. This verse calls us to prioritize God’s commands over human approval, even when it costs comfort or safety. Setting aside dedicated time for worship, away from daily distractions, remains a vital discipline.
Reflection
Worship is not optional but a commanded duty. The Israelites’ plea reminds us that God is holy and that approaching Him requires reverence and obedience. May we respond to His call with the same earnest faith, trusting that He who met them will also meet us.
